When any Irish team, irrespective of the sport, meets an English one, little incentive is needed. So even though there is a financial as well as an emotional prize available this Saturday — a €6m bonus on the table for Joe Schmidt’s side if they complete the grand slam at Twickenham — CJ Stander isn’t bothered.

For him, Saturday isn’t about the money or even the title. It’s about something much more personal — his pride.

Prior to last Saturday, the Ireland No 8 had never won a trophy in his career, and when confirmation came of England’s defeat in Paris, he was sitting next to Keith Earls and their respective partners at a post-match function, about to start dinner. Beef Wellington was on the…